Implement transport

This invention is in the field of agricultural implements and in particular a transport system for such implements.

BACKGROUND

Wide agricultural implements are popular in more open agricultural areas where fields are large. With an implement making a wide swath, fewer the passes are required than with a narrower implement, and generally the operation can be completed in less time. A significant issue with wider implement is that they must be converted into a narrower transport position in order to move along relatively narrow roads from one field to another.

Wide implements generally comprise laterally extending wings that fold for transport in a variety of different ways. U.S. Pat. No. 6,684,962 to Lewallen illustrates an implement where the wings fold upward about a number of pivot axes oriented parallel to the operating travel direction of the implement. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,654,999 to Fischer the implement wings pivot rearward about a vertical pivot axis.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,809 to Summach the rear end of the whole width of the implement pivots upward and forward about a pivot axis oriented perpendicular to the operating travel direction at the front of the implement, and then the wings fold rearward about vertical axes. U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,613 to Frasier illustrates an implement where the wings fold forward about vertical pivot axes.

As these implement grow wider it becomes more problematic to design an implement with wings that will fold to a width that allows for efficient transport. In addition, when folding the wings upward as in the machine illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,684,962 to Lewallen results in a transport position that has a significant height, and which may exceed limits on some roads and restrict travel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an implement transport apparatus that overcomes problems in the prior art.

In a first embodiment the present invention provides an implement apparatus adapted for attachment to a towing vehicle for movement in an operating travel direction. The apparatus comprises a hitch frame with a hitch at a front end thereof adapted for attachment to the towing vehicle, and a center frame section pivotally attached to a rear portion of the hitch frame about a substantially horizontal hitch frame axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the operating travel direction. A right wing frame section is pivotally attached to a right end of the center frame section about a right frame axis, and a left wing frame section is pivotally attached to a left end of the center frame section about a left frame axis oriented substantially parallel to the right frame axis. An actuator is operative to pivot the center frame section upward about the hitch frame axis to raise the center, right wing, and left wing frame sections from an operating position, where the frame sections are substantially aligned laterally and are oriented substantially horizontally with front ends thereof forward of the hitch frame axis and where the right and left frame axes are substantially horizontal and aligned with the operating travel direction, to a raised position where the frame sections are oriented substantially vertically with the front ends thereof above the hitch frame axis and where the right and left frame axes are substantially vertical. A plurality of working members are mounted to the frame sections forward of the hitch frame axis such that the working members contact the ground when the frame sections are in the operating position to support the hitch frame and frame sections for movement along the ground when in the operating position, and such that the working members move upward off the ground as the frame sections move from the operating position to the raised position. A plurality of transport wheels are mounted to rear portions of the frame sections rearward of the hitch frame axis such that the transport wheels are above the ground when the frame sections are in the operating position, and such that the transport wheels move down into contact with the ground as the frame sections move from the operating position to the raised position to support the hitch frame and frame sections in the raised position. With the frame sections in the raised position the right and left wing frame sections can pivot rearward on the transport wheels about the corresponding right and left frame axes to a transport position where the right and left wing frame sections are substantially parallel and extend rearward from the corresponding right and left frame axes.

In a second embodiment the present invention provides a method of moving an implement from an operating position to a transport position. The method comprises providing a hitch frame with a hitch at a front end thereof and attaching the hitch to a towing vehicle; pivotally attaching a center frame section to a rear portion of the hitch frame about a substantially horizontal hitch frame axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the operating travel direction; pivotally attaching a right wing frame section to a right end of the center frame section about a right frame axis; pivotally attaching a left wing frame section to a left end of the center frame section about a left frame axis oriented substantially parallel to the right frame axis; positioning the center, right wing, and left wing frame sections in an operating position where the frame sections are substantially aligned laterally and oriented substantially horizontally with front ends thereof forward of the hitch frame axis and where the right and left frame axes are substantially horizontal and aligned with the operating travel direction; supporting the hitch frame and frame sections for movement along the ground in the operating position on a plurality of working members that are mounted to the frame sections forward of the hitch frame axis and that contact the ground when the frame sections are in the operating position; with an actuator, pivoting the center frame section upward about the hitch frame axis to raise the center, right wing, and left wing frame sections to a raised position where the frame sections are oriented substantially vertically with the front ends thereof above the hitch frame axis, and where the right and left frame axes are substantially vertical; wherein the working members move upward off the ground as the frame sections move from the operating position to the raised position; providing a plurality of transport wheels mounted to rear portions of the frame sections rearward of the hitch frame axis such that the transport wheels are above the ground when the frame sections are in the operating position, and such that the transport wheels move down into contact with the ground as the frame sections move from the operating position to the raised position, and supporting the hitch frame and frame sections on the transport wheels in the raised position; with the frame sections in the raised position, pivoting the right and left wing frame sections rearward about the corresponding right and left frame axes to a transport position where the right and left wing frame sections are substantially parallel and extend rearward from the corresponding right and left frame axes.

Thus the implement apparatus and method of the present invention provide a convenient and economical transport system for wide implements where the wing frames on which the working members, such as packers, seeding assemblies, land rollers, and the like, are located ahead of a lateral pivot axis such that the wing frames move upward and rearward, and then fold back behind the hitch to the transport position. Thus in the transport position the working members are located toward the outside of the parallel rear trailing wing frames, instead of between the wing frames as in the prior art. Thus the working members are not subject to touching each other during transport, reducing the risk of damage.

The implement when in the transport position has a low profile and can be maneuvered into a storage shed through a common door that might for example be 14 feet high.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a schematic top view of an embodiment of an implement apparatus of the present invention in the operating position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a schematic top view of the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> in the raised position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a schematic top view of the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> in the transport position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a schematic top view of an alternate embodiment of the implement apparatus of the present invention in the operating position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a schematic top view of the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> in the raised position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a schematic top view of the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> in the transport position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a schematic side view of the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> in the operating position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a schematic side view of the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> in the raised position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a schematic side view of the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> in the transport position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a schematic side view of the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> in the operating position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a schematic side view of the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> in the raised position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a schematic side view of the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> in the transport position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a schematic top view showing the left wing frame section of the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> in the raised and transport positions, and a motor to rotate the outer transport wheel;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a schematic top view of an alternate embodiment of the implement apparatus of the present invention in an intermediate position between the wing filly forward raised position and the wing fully rearward transport position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a schematic top view of an alternate embodiment of the implement apparatus in the raised position where inner transport wheels are mounted on the hitch frame;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a schematic rear perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the implement apparatus of the present invention in the operating position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a schematic rear perspective view of the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> where the apparatus is in the raised position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a schematic rear perspective view of the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> where the apparatus is in the transport position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref> and <b>7</b>-<b>9</b> schematically illustrate an embodiment of an implement apparatus <b>1</b> of the present invention. The apparatus <b>1</b> is adapted for attachment to a towing vehicle for movement in an operating travel direction T. The apparatus <b>1</b> comprises a hitch frame <b>3</b> with a hitch <b>5</b> at a front end thereof adapted for attachment to the towing vehicle. A center frame section <b>7</b>C is pivotally attached to a rear portion of the hitch frame <b>3</b> about a substantially horizontal hitch frame axis HFA oriented substantially perpendicular to the operating travel direction T. A right wing frame section <b>7</b>R is pivotally attached to a right end of the center frame section <b>7</b>C about a right frame axis RFA, and a left wing frame section <b>7</b>L is pivotally attached to a left end of the center frame section <b>7</b>C about a left frame axis LFA oriented substantially parallel to the right frame axis RFA.

A pair of lift actuators <b>9</b> is operative to pivot the center frame section <b>7</b>C upward about the hitch frame axis HFA to raise the center, right wing, and left wing frame sections <b>7</b> from the operating position illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 7</figref>. In the operating position the frame sections <b>7</b> are substantially aligned laterally as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and are oriented substantially horizontally with front ends <b>11</b> thereof forward of the hitch frame axis HFA as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. The right and left frame axes RFA, LFA are substantially horizontal and aligned with the operating travel direction T as illustrated. The actuators <b>9</b> pivot the frame sections <b>7</b> to a raised position illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 8</figref> where the frame sections <b>7</b> are oriented substantially vertically with the front ends <b>11</b> thereof above the hitch frame axis HFA and where the right and left frame axes RFA, LFA are substantially vertical.

Working members <b>13</b> are mounted to the frame sections <b>7</b> forward of the hitch frame axis HFA such that the working members <b>13</b> contact the ground <b>15</b> when the frame sections are in the operating position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 7</figref> to support the hitch frame <b>3</b> and frame sections <b>7</b> for movement along the ground in the operating position. The working members <b>13</b> can be any desired device which might be used for field operations in agriculture, such as packer wheels, harrows, gauge wheels, furrow opener assemblies, land rollers, or the like. With some implements, such as agricultural field sprayers there are no ground contacting elements suitable to support the apparatus <b>1</b>, and the working member in that case would simply be a suitable number of support wheels configured as required to support the frames <b>3</b> and <b>7</b> in the operating position. With any kind of working members <b>13</b>, such as conventional tooth type harrows, it may also be desirable that some support wheels be provided as working members in combination with the harrows to support the frames <b>3</b> and <b>7</b>.

As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 8</figref>, the working members <b>13</b> move upward off the ground <b>15</b> as the frame sections <b>7</b> move from the operating position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 7</figref> to the raised position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 8</figref>.

Transport wheels <b>17</b> are mounted to rear portions of the frame sections <b>7</b> rearward of the hitch frame axis HFA such that the transport wheels <b>17</b> are above the ground <b>15</b> when the frame sections <b>7</b> are in the operating position, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. As the transport wheels <b>17</b> are mounted on arms <b>19</b>, the transport wheels <b>17</b> move down into contact with the ground <b>15</b> as the frame sections <b>7</b>, and the arms <b>19</b> fixed thereto, pivot from the operating position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> to the raised position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. Thus the transport wheels <b>17</b> automatically move down to support the hitch frame <b>3</b> and frame sections <b>7</b> in the raised position as the working members <b>13</b> move up off the ground.

With the frame sections in the raised position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 8</figref>, the right and left wing frame sections <b>7</b>R, <b>7</b>L can pivot rearward about the corresponding right and left frame axes RFA, LFA to the transport position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 9</figref> where the right and left wing frame sections <b>7</b>R, <b>7</b>L are substantially parallel and extend rearward from the corresponding right and left frame axes RFA, LFA. Thus in the transport position the working members <b>13</b> are located toward the outside of the wing frames <b>7</b>R, <b>7</b>L, instead of between the wing frames as in the prior art. The distance DW between the wings can thus be reduced if required to reduce transport width.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4-6</figref> and <b>10</b>-<b>12</b> schematically illustrate an alternate embodiment of an implement apparatus <b>101</b> of the present invention that is similar to the apparatus <b>1</b> except that the center working members <b>113</b>C are mounted to the hitch frame <b>103</b> rather than to the center frame section <b>107</b>C. With some types of implements or working members it may be desirable, for weight and balance considerations for example, to mount the central working members <b>113</b>C to the hitch frame <b>103</b> so that they do not have to be raised vertically during transport.

In the apparatus <b>101</b> the right and left working members <b>113</b>R, <b>113</b>L are mounted as in the apparatus <b>1</b> to the right and left wing frame sections <b>107</b>R, <b>107</b>L. An actuator <b>109</b> is operative to pivot the center frame section <b>107</b>C up to move the apparatus <b>101</b> to the raised position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 11</figref>. The hitch <b>105</b> on the hitch frame <b>103</b> is connected to a towing vehicle <b>130</b> such that the hitch is at a height H above the ground <b>15</b>. The transport wheels <b>117</b> are configured such that as the transport wheels <b>117</b> move down into the raised position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 11</figref>, the rear portion of the hitch frame <b>103</b> moves upward and the center working members <b>113</b>C move up off the ground.

As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref>, as the frame sections <b>107</b> pivot up to the raised position, the hitch <b>105</b> attached to the towing vehicle stays at the same height H, but the rear end of the hitch frame <b>103</b> moves up from height HX to height HY, a distance configured to be also sufficient to raise the center working members <b>113</b>C up off the ground so same can be transported. The right and left wings <b>107</b>R, <b>107</b>L can then, as in the prior apparatus <b>1</b>, pivot rearward about the right and left frame axes RFA, LFA to the transport position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 and 12</figref>.

Both apparatuses <b>1</b>, <b>101</b> are illustrated with right and left outer transport wheels <b>17</b>A <b>117</b>A mounted to outer portions of corresponding right and left wing frame sections <b>7</b>R, <b>7</b>L, <b>107</b>R, <b>107</b>L, and right and left inner transport wheels <b>17</b>B, <b>117</b>B mounted to inner portions of the corresponding right and left wing frame sections. Both the inner and outer transport wheels are caster wheels operative to pivot about vertical caster axes such that same may turn with respect to the frame sections <b>7</b>, <b>107</b> from the orientation in the raised position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 5</figref> to the orientation in the transport position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 6</figref>.

Once the apparatus <b>1</b>, <b>101</b> is in the transport position, caster securing mechanisms can be operated to secure the outer transport wheels <b>17</b>A, <b>117</b>A in a fixed position with respect to the caster axes thereof so that the wing frame sections will stay aligned for travel along roads or the like. Such caster wheels and caster securing mechanisms are well known in the art.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> schematically illustrates the left wing frame section moving from the raised position <b>7</b>LR to the transport position <b>7</b>LT. The outer transport wheel <b>17</b>A is powered by a hydraulic or electric motor <b>35</b> that is operated to rotate the outer transport wheel <b>17</b>A. With the wing frame section <b>7</b>L in the raised position <b>7</b>LR, the castering outer transport wheel <b>17</b>A is secured in the position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, with the rotational axis thereof parallel to the wing frame section <b>7</b>L. Rotating the wheel <b>17</b> will then move the wing frame section <b>7</b>L rearward to the transport position <b>7</b>LT. The caster securing mechanism is then released and the outer transport wheel <b>17</b> is turned on its caster axis to the position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> where the rotational axis thereof is perpendicular to the wing frame section <b>7</b>L. The operation is reversed to move the apparatus from the transport position back to the raised position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> schematically illustrates an embodiment of the implement apparatus <b>201</b> which includes a hitch frame <b>203</b> and a transport actuator <b>239</b> operative to move the left wing frame section <b>207</b>L forward from the rearward oriented direction shown to the raised position aligned with the center frame section <b>207</b>C. In order to facilitate this movement, the securing mechanisms on the transport wheels <b>217</b> are released and the towing vehicle is turned to the left to position the left wing frame section <b>207</b>L at some rearward angle less than perpendicular to the center frame section <b>207</b>C, and then the transport actuator <b>239</b> can move the left wing frame section <b>207</b>L forward as required. Once the left wing frame section <b>207</b>L is in the raised position, similar maneuvering and operation can be used on the right wing frame section.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a schematic top view of an alternate apparatus <b>301</b> comprising right and left outer transport caster wheels <b>317</b>A mounted to outer portions of corresponding right and left wing frame sections about vertical caster axes, and right and left inner transport wheels <b>317</b>B mounted to corresponding right and left portions of the hitch frame <b>303</b> instead of to the wing frame sections <b>307</b>R, <b>307</b>L. The inner transport wheels <b>317</b>B are fixed in an orientation rolling in the operating travel direction T. Caster securing mechanisms secure the outer transport caster wheels <b>317</b>A in a fixed position with respect to caster axes thereof.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16-18</figref> schematically illustrate operation of an alternate embodiment of the implement apparatus <b>401</b> with a hitch frame <b>403</b>. A pair of lift actuators <b>409</b> is operative to pivot the center frame section <b>407</b>C upward about the hitch frame axis HFA to raise the center, right wing, and left wing frame sections <b>407</b>C, <b>407</b>R, <b>407</b>L from the operating position illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> where the frame sections <b>407</b> are substantially aligned laterally and are oriented substantially horizontally with front ends <b>411</b> thereof forward of the hitch frame axis HFA, and where the right and left frame axes RFA, LFA are substantially horizontal and aligned with the operating travel direction T as illustrated.

Working members and transport wheels are mounted on the apparatus <b>401</b> substantially as described above, and are not shown in order to allow clear illustration of the movement of the frame sections and operation of actuators.

The actuators <b>409</b> pivot the frame sections <b>407</b> to a raised position illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> where the frame sections <b>407</b> are oriented substantially vertically with the front ends <b>411</b> thereof above the hitch frame axis HFA and where the right and left frame axes RFA, LFA are substantially vertical.

The apparatus <b>401</b> also includes transport hydraulic cylinders <b>439</b>R, <b>439</b>L mounted at inner ends thereof to a center anchor <b>441</b>C that extends outward from a rear portion of the center frame section <b>407</b>C. The outer ends of the transport hydraulic cylinders <b>439</b> are connected to corresponding right and left wing anchors <b>441</b>R, <b>441</b>L. The center and wing anchors extend upward when the frame sections <b>407</b> are in the operating position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, and so when the frame sections move up to the raised position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, the anchors <b>441</b> end up extending rearward in the raised position.

In the operating position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> and the raised position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, the transport hydraulic cylinders <b>439</b> are extended as illustrated. Thus when the transport hydraulic cylinders <b>439</b> are retracted, the wing frame sections <b>407</b>R, <b>407</b>L are pivoted about the right and left frame axes RFA, LFA, and are drawn into the transport position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>. Extending the transport hydraulic cylinders <b>239</b> will pivot the wing frame sections <b>407</b>R, <b>407</b>L back to the raised position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>.

With the frame sections in the raised position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> the right and left wing frame sections <b>407</b>R, <b>407</b>L can pivot rearward about the corresponding right and left frame axes RFA, LFA to the transport position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 9</figref> where the right and left wing frame sections <b>7</b>R, <b>7</b>L are substantially parallel and extend rearward from the corresponding right and left frame axes RFA, LFA.

Thus in the apparatus <b>401</b> the transport actuators are operative to move the wing frame sections into and out of transport, in combination with transport wheels as described above.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.